Mongolia is not exactly known as a hotspot of the international jazz scene. Pianist and composer Shuteen Erdenebaatar, however, is well on her way to changing that. Born in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar, she moved to Munich in 2018 and has since made a remarkable impact on the European jazz scene. Erdenebaatar’s outstanding quartet – described by Rondo Magazine as »an immensely vibrant quartet at the height of its powers« – was named Ensemble of the Year at the German Jazz Prize in 2024.
Musically, the four exceptional young artists, each successful with their own projects, complement one another perfectly. Above Erdenebaatar’s warm, minimalist-repetitive piano patterns rises the gently rasping sound of tenor saxophonist Simon Comté, who, together with bassist and longtime collaborator Nils Kugelmann, has already been featured with the renowned WDR Big Band. Alongside them, drummer Amir Bresler provides an understated yet irresistibly vibrant groove. The result is a distinctive musical language that effortlessly defies categorisation.
The secret of Erdenebaatar’s success is both simple and effective. »A great deal of my personal story and my encounters with other people flow into my music,« she says. »I come from a variety of musical backgrounds. I was originally trained in classical music and as a teenager I also listened to a great deal of rock and pop.« All of these influences are audible, as is the emotional depth of music that reflects her different homes. »The landscape, nature, the vast open spaces and the mentality of the people are certainly part of my music,« says the pianist. With her latest album, »Bright Folk«, she continues along her own distinctive path, bringing together lyrical jazz, her European classical background and Mongolia’s rich musical heritage.
PERFORMERS
Shuteen Erdenebaatar Quartet jazz ensemble
Simon Comté saxophone
Shuteen Erdenebaatar piano
Nils Kugelmann bass
Amir Bresler drums
PROGRAM
»Bright Folk«
